Looking for advice to help my through the process of becoming a RN.

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Here's some background infomation on me.

I am currently active duty in the United States Navy. I am 24 years old, I only have 16 college credits and no experience in the nursing field. My goal is to become a RN and If I like it, switch to CRNA.

The Problem

I don't know if I should go for my BSN or ADN.

I sometimes feel as if, I am too old to become a nurse.

What I hope to accomplish with this post.

Good advice and opinions on the route I should take.

Tips on what I should do to prep myself.

Things that will set me apart, in order to get into a nursing program.

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I hope you're not too old! Since I'm 24 as well :) I'd do research on the schools in your area discovernursing.com has a search where you can find both ADN and BSN programs in your area. Try taking A and P 1 to see how you do with science. It's time consuming but if you do well in it hopefully you can get a good indicator of how you do in science courses. Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'd go straight for the BSN - it's heavily dependant on where you live but many employers will prefer a bachelor's in nursing over an ASN/ADN. Figure out which program(s) you're interested in and then start working through both general ed requirements and nursing prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, etc.). A lot of programs will calculate your "nursing GPA" separately so doing really well in those classes is critical. In the meantime you can volunteer at a hospital or even get some work experience as a CNA to make your application stand out. Good luck!

(Also, thinking you're too old is kind of insane! I'm starting a nursing program in my late 20's and half the people in my class are twice my age. Look around this website, there are people graduating in their 60's(!) - apparently when it comes to nursing student age, anything goes so don't even worry about it.)

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Oh my goodness 24 to old?? I'm in trouble because I'm 39!! Lol! I think you are making a wonderful choice. Things to set you apart would be to volunteer at a local hospital. I agree with the previous poster in taking a science course or two. Your ultimate goal is awesome!! Your future is bright it's up to you. BTW, you're at a great age to start a career!!! Good luck to you.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Hospice.

Too old??? Gasp! I hope there isn't an age limit because I'll be fifty when I start nursing school in 26 days! Go for it!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Thank you for your military service.

I'm glad you are thinking about a nursing career. Just wanted to caution you - we here at AN have heard from previous military veterans that "college credit" courses they took while on active duty turned out to be non-transferable. Be sure you investigate this very thoroughly. Don't be too trusting and accept what you have been told without double-checking with potential colleges.

Go for your BSN, especially since you want to eventually go to grad school for your MSN (required for a CRNA). This will save you a lot of time and expense.

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